World Bank Cuts Growth Forecasts for Emerging Europe
"The World Bank slashed its 2013 growth forecast for a group of eleven emerging European countries to 1.3% from 2.5%, as deeper economic woes in the euro zone and especially in Germany weigh heavier on the region, it said in a semi- annual report published Thursday."

Vietnamese market too severe to airlines
"Analysts now bet on the fate of Air Mekong after hearing that the private airline cannot pay for fuel. Pacific Airlines still has reported a loss for the last five consecutive years of operation."

China Signs Steel Deal in Iran
"A large Chinese state-owned company said it signed a $712 million dollar contract to help build a steel plant in Iran, signaling that Beijing isn't ready to join Western nations in increasing pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program."

Global pirate attacks fall to five-year low
"International naval patrols off Somalia and armed private guards on board ships have driven pirate attacks to a five-year low in 2012, but the risk to shipping off west Africa is growing."

Senior China leader urges island talks with Japan
"A high-level Chinese official has called for talks with Japan over a disputed island chain, in an apparent attempt by Beijing to cool tensions that have seen both sides scramble jet fighters to the area in recent days."

ASDF wing could move to Sakishima Islands
"In light of repeated approaches to and an intrusion into Japanese territorial airspace by Chinese airplanes near the Senkaku Islands, the government is considering deploying an Air Self-Defense Force air wing at the Sakishima Islands, west of Okinawa Island, it has been learned."

U.S. quietly trying to suppress dangers of Syria's chemical arsenal
"The Obama administration has quietly arranged for thousands of chemical protective suits and related items to be sent to Jordan and Turkey and is pressing the military forces there to take principal responsibility for safeguarding Syrian chemical-weapons sites if the country's lethal nerve agents suddenly become vulnerable to theft and misuse, Western and Middle Eastern officials say."

Bombers kill more than 35 across Iraq
"More than 35 people died in a suicide attack and other bombings in northern Iraq and Baghdad on Wednesday, worsening sectarian strife as Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki faces mounting pressure from minority Sunni Muslims and Kurds."

This is of course the real purpose behind the sanctions: To destabilize Iranian society and precipitate the collapse of the government so that Washington can install a puppet government and gain control of Iran's hydrocarbon wealth. -- RF

"Although the sunny, dry conditions of the Middle East seem ideal for solar technology, with summers that exceed 110°F, Qatar is hotter and dustier than countries with successful solar energy sectors like Germany, the United States, and Japan. Without regular rainfall to wash away caked on dust, and extreme heat, most solar panels cannot operate efficiently."

Nevada propane shortage should ease with new order
"[Governor] Sandoval declared a state of emergency on Tuesday effective for 15 days. The governor also suspended federal regulations that limit, among other things, the number of hours driven by a commercial operator in a shift. Liquefied petroleum is in particularly high demand in Nevada because of its heavy use in mining operations."

"The original power grid pathways—similar to a highway system—were built in the early 20th century. Additionally, many utility companies have structures that have been running for 50 to 70 years. Unfortunately, the infrastructure age is causing further problems to the weakening grid."

## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##Malicious virus shuttered U.S. power plant -DHS
"A computer virus attacked a turbine control system at a U.S. power company when a technician unknowingly inserted an infected USB computer drive into the network, keeping a plant off line for three weeks, according to a recent U.S. government report."

Japan's Ethylene Output Down 8.1% In '12
"Domestic production of ethylene, a base material for petrochemical products, declined for a second straight year in 2012 amid soft global demand and an influx of low-cost imports."

Chipmaker Renesas to boost job-cut scheme
"Struggling Japanese chipmaker Renesas Electronics said Thursday it planned to widen an early retirement scheme as it scrambles to cut costs to shore up its bleeding balance sheet."

787 scare poses threat to suppliers
"The grounding of two Dreamliner fleets Wednesday not only dents the reputation of U.S. aviation giant Boeing Co. but also threatens to deal a blow to Japanese firms that make around a third of the aircraft, analysts said."

On second thought: IAEA re-categorizes the operational status for 47 of Japan's nuclear reactors
"In an unprecedented move, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today retroactively re-categorized 47 Japanese nuclear reactors from 'in operation' to 'long-term shutdown' in its Power Reactor Information System. Thus, the global number of nuclear reactors listed as 'in operation' drops from 437 to 390, a number not seen since Chernobyl-year 1986, when 391 operating units were on the list. Without a doubt, the step is a unique revision of world operational nuclear data -- not to mention a solid recognition of the industrial reality in Japan."

For Americans, 'Cope' Has Replaced 'Hope': NBC Poll
"The latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows that just 34 percent look at 2013 as a moment of economic expansion and opportunity; fully 60 percent call it a moment 'to hold back and save because harder times are ahead.'"

Washington really does hate retirees
"My brand-new video, 'Washington's War on Your Retirement,' is already generating a lot of controversy. I guess it's hard for some people to accept that their elected officials are a bunch of dirty crooks."

Bank of America and Citi reports are junk
"Sugarcoat it all you want. Let the analysts try to make sense of it. Buy the story you're being fed. The reality is, Bank of America Corp. and Citigroup Inc. turned in garbage reports parading as fourth-quarter earnings Thursday."